EPA Awards $2 M Security Planning Grant to Help Small Drinking Water Utilities

As part of EPA's continuing efforts to help small drinking water utilities assess their vulnerabilities to terrorist attack, EPA Assistant Administrator for Water G. Tracy Mehan III announced the award of nearly $2 million to the National Rural Water Association (NRWA).

Through this grant award, the association will assist small community water systems serving populations between 3,300 and 10,000 people with security planning. These drinking water systems are required to submit vulnerability assessments to EPA under the Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002 (the Act), by June 30, 2004.

Through a combination of training sessions, on-site technical assistance and internet-based tools, the association will educate system personnel about the act and provide assistance in preparing vulnerability assessments and emergency response plans.

Under this project, the association will assist approximately 4,400 community water systems serving between 3,300 and 10,000 people that must comply with the act's requirements.